I think attitude has a lot to do with it. I usually check in without my husband and try to get a male. I smile and am friendly and easygoing, a little chitchat doesn't hurt. I don't mention priceline and have never had it mentioned specifically to me, aside from a side comment some odd times. I have used priceline over 10 times, lost count actually. Definitely don't go in with an attitude, and if there is something you don't like about the room do something about it, nicely. We stayed at the Hyatt Grand Central NYC 3 wks ago, for 1 night. I mentioned to the clerk that it was out anniversary and was there anything he could do for us. He kindly upgraded us to a junior suite. when i called down later from the room to ask for a fridge and was advised of a charge, i said that i was not told this when i asked about it at checkin, the clerk told me rather snottishly that there was esp seeing that i had booked through web. I said well actually the room is pretty dirty/dusty (which it really was) and i was prepared to overlook it if they would provide a fridge at no charge. which after checking with the supervisor they promptly did! if you need to say, say it nicely, firmly and to the point. One other point it pays to do your homework. By this I mean call up the hotel a few nights before, find out how full it is, which of the rooms were recently renovated (they are usually better) and what is available. this way when you come to the front desk and they try and put you in a "priceline" room you know what to ask for. we stay recently at inn at nichol's village in clarks summit pa. I had called up and found out that the applewood and presidential rooms were the most recently renovated. they gave us a chestnut room, non-smoking. when i got there it reeked of smoke, i called and nicely told them this, they said come back to the front desk and assigned us a different room, all the time i was asking for an applewood room (i didn't hope for the presidential!) finally i got the applewood when i said could i have it for th 1st night and if need be i would move for the 2nd, which never happened. applewood rooms are much much nic.er hope this helps a little good luck all priceline bidders